IPS Agencies

The Center for Local Planning, the seventh agency of the Institute for Public Service, was established July 1, 2025. Recurring funds were designated by the Tennessee General Assembly to create the center.

A statewide local planning unit will promote greater consistency in planning across the state and provide a more economical service to rural communities, resulting in overall taxpayer savings. The agency will provide further technical assistance, training, and coordination in partnership and cooperation with Tennessee’s nine regional Development Districts. 

This unit is not expected to replace or compete with Tennessee’s regional development districts but will provide additional resources and expertise across the state to cities and counties currently unserved or underserved. It will also provide long-range smart growth planning expertise not currently provided by development districts.

The plan is to have a local planning team in each grand division of the state. Their efforts will be under the oversight of an executive director.

The County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS) provides technical assistance and training to elected and appointed county officials in many areas related to county government including finance, legal, highway, environmental and public safety.

Mission: Promoting better county government through direct assistance to county officials and their associations.

Services Provided:

• County Government Management
• Financial/Legal
• Highway
• Public Safety
• Information Technology
• Environmental
• Property Assessment

Notable Programs:

• County Officials Certificate Training Program
• Certified County Finance Officer Program
• County Commissioner Training
• County Officials Orientation Program

The Law Enforcement Innovation Center (LEIC) expands capabilities of law enforcement personnel by providing training that improves the quality of policing. Using the nation’s best instructors and consultants, LEIC develops curricula for courses such as active shooter training, STOP domestic violence, crime scene photography, bloodstain pattern analysis, first-line leadership and supervision, command-level leadership and more.

Mission: To provide innovative, current, and applicable training and assistance to law enforcement professionals and the communities they serve.

Services Provided:

• Forensic Investigation
• Law Enforcement Leadership
• Cultural Competency
• Domestic Violence Awareness
• Active Shooter Response
• Decision Making
  

Notable Programs:

• National Forensic Academy
• Southeastern Leadership Academy
• Advanced Leadership
• Master Public Information Officer Certification

The Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS) provides training and technical consulting to Tennessee’s municipalities and their officials. MTAS offers training programs for city officials, including Certified Municipal Finance Officer, Municipal Court Clerk, Elected Officials Academy and the Municipal Leadership Program

Mission: We work with Tennessee municipalities to improve the lives of those they serve.

Services Provided:

• Municipal Management
• Finance and Accounting
• Human Resources
• Legal Assistance
• Public Safety
• Public Utilities
• Public Works

NOTABLE PROGRAMS

• Administrative Hearing Officer
• Certified Municipal Finance Officer
• Elected Officials Academy
• Municipal Leadership Training

The Naifeh Center for Effective Leadership (NCEL) provides training and professional development for leaders at all levels, from emerging supervisors to experienced executives. The Naifeh Center offers many pre-defined and customizable training and partners with the Tennessee Department of Human Resources to provide specialized development for the state of Tennessee employees.

Mission: Empowering effective leaders in Tennessee.

Services Provided:

• Executive Coaching
• Customer Service
• Mentoring
• Negotiation and Conflict Management
• Sustainability in Leadership
• Team building

Notable Programs:

• Administrative Professionals Academy
• Certified Public Manager
• Leadership Excellence in Agriculture and Forestry
• CREW Training (Civility, Respect and Engagement in the Workplace)

The Tennessee Language Center (TLC) is focused on language, teaching and services for the public sector, the business community and private citizens. 

Mission: To facilitate intercultural communication through quality language instruction; translation and interpretation services; professional development for interpreters, translators and language instructors; and cultural awareness programs.

Services Provided:

• World Language
• Interpretation and Translation
• Language Training
• Cultural Training

Notable Programs:

• English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher Training
• Medical and Court Reporter Interpretation
• Spanish for Educators
• ESL to Go

In February 2022, the Substance Misuse and Addiction Resource for Tennessee (SMART) Initiative became a part of IPS. In addition to examining and communicating data and policies related to substance use disorder, the SMART Initiative seeks to empower communities and local governments to combat the overdose epidemic.

Mission: Providing leadership in mitigating the opioid crisis in Tennessee.

Services Provided:

• Policy Analysis
• Technical Assistance
• Data Analysis and Advising